Jer 1:4-5, 17-19
1 Cor 12:31—13:13
Lk 4:21-30
Walking is supposed to be a good way of maintaining you health. A good brisk walk can help keep your heart in shape, help maintain your weight, and just generally make you feel better. The good people of Jesus’ native town, shortly after services in the synagogue, invited Jesus to take a short walk, though I doubt it would have done much for his health. It was, indeed a very short walk, just one step, albeit one very long step. They were just a bit upset with him, when he pointed out that a prophet is generally not well received in that prophet’s native place. He pointed out how miracles had been worked, but for outsiders like Naaman. They were upset, ostensibly because Jesus failed to do mighty works for them as he had done for others. Deep inside though, I think they understood that he was right. They didn’t turn to Jesus in faith, they wanted parlor tricks. It wasn’t faith that drove them, but superstition. Do this and I’ll believe. Prove to me you are who you seem to be. After all, we know you, we know your family, why should we accept you? Make this easy for us, tell us what to do and say and think after you work a couple of miracles so we’ll know you are legitimate. Without special signs they could not, would not, believe. That is not faith, that is superstition. I am not denigrating the idea of miracles, miracles have happened, miracles continue to happen, everyday. Miracles don’t happen just to bring about faith, they happen because of faith. How many times did Jesus tell someone that faith had saved them, that faith had cured them? The miracle came about because that person believed. A miracle may lead others to faith, but it only leads there, it is not a substitute for faith. Faith is a gift that God gives each of us, a gift that requires no proof.
Deacon John
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jan. 31, 2010
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1 comment:
As I read, Walking is supposed to be a good way of maintaining your health, I couldn't help but think of this man who walked every day atleast a couple of miles. On many occasions I recall thinking to myself as I saw him walking, while on my way to work, boy this guy is going to live for a long time. To make a long story short this guy died and without checking any of the facts, I just assumed that polution took his life.
When I was in my early fifties, I told this to a nurse who was giving me test after a heart by-pass correction.
To make another long story short, she politely laughed at me and said that she's never heard of any one dying from inhaling bad air while walking!
And your point is Victor?
Well he was walking pretty close to vehicles during most of his walks! :)
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